History

In 2011, Ontario released “Open Minds, Healthy Minds: Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy” to transform the way mental health and addictions services are delivered across the province.

The vision for this Strategy is that every person in Ontario will enjoy good mental health and well-being throughout their lifetime, and all Ontarians with mental illness or addictions can recover and participate in welcoming, supportive communities.

Phase 1 of the Strategy was led by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS), and focused on children and youth. Work is still ongoing under Phase 1.

Phase 2, led by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, was initiated in 2014. This phase broadens the scope of the Strategy to the entire population and includes a focus on addiction. As part of Phase 2, the Ministry established a Mental Health and Addictions Leadership Advisory Council.